Human resources, or HR as it is more frequently known, is a department of a company that focuses on the workers. Employee hiring and termination, compensation, workplace culture, and employee relations are all tasks handled by those in this division.
The study of human resources is covered in many colleges' and universities' programs and degrees. Earning a degree in a similar subject of study can help you get ready for the responsibilities of a career in human resources if you're interested in doing so.
Generally speaking, though, three paths can lead to an entry-level position in the field: – A college degree in HR. – Working for several years in an operational role at a company, then transitioning into HR.
– A degree in a related subject, like business or industrial/organizational psychology, then applying those skills to HR by earning appropriate certifications.
You might start looking for jobs after earning your degree in order to obtain experience in human resources. Finding entry-level HR positions can be difficult, but many businesses hire recent graduates so they can gain experience and learn more about HR.
Here are some common strategies for getting the attention of HR’s hiring managers.
The first step to getting a job in human resources is earning a degree. If your school offers a human resources program, it will likely include courses focused on organizational theory, legal issues and compliance,
performance management, employee development and training and other areas that HR professionals need to understand. Other related degrees that may help you get a job in HR include business and organizational or industrial psychology.
You need on-the-job experience, even if you majored in HR. Don’t think just because you have a degree, you’re qualified for the role.
You rely heavily on experience in HR. You have to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world. With all the employment laws, regulations and compliance issues that go along with it,
HR can be “a risky profession, and you have to learn what you can and cannot do.” So how do you get that experience?
- Internships, which not only offer hands-on experience but also provide exposure to prospective employers. - Getting involved with a SHRM student chapter. Is a great way to network with practitioners and providers.
- Exploring opportunities with HR service providers, who “have tremendous HR expertise in-house.”
Understand that human resources is, first and foremost, a business function. If you think it’s for you because you’re a “people person,” you’re on the wrong track.
It’s about understanding business and applying people strategies. During interviews, a lot of entry-level candidates say they like HR because they like people.
That’s the worst answer they can give. Ultimately, a great HR person understands the business and can apply people strategies to help it succeed.
Building a strong network will aid you in your job search because working in HR requires working closely with people. To build and maintain your network, you can use professional social networking sites,
join different HR groups and associations, and seek out others working in the HR industry. Other ways to expand your network include corresponding with instructors who could know people in the industry,
contacting graduates of your educational program, and getting in touch with HR specialists who work for businesses that particularly interest you.
Finally, it’s important for entry-level candidates to manage their expectations. Though it’s not always the case, some graduates balk at the type of work they’re expected to do when they start out.
In HR, you get a four-year degree and the first job feels administrative. But that’s where the profession evolved from.
You have to be flexible and you have to be ready to start at the bottom, because that’s how you’re going to understand all of the pieces, and HR has a lot of moving pieces.